Cold Case Files: "Sweethearts Silenced" - Detailed Summary

Introduction to the Case

On August 9, 1980, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, high school sweethearts Tim Haack and Kelly Drew vanished without a trace. Attending a friend's wedding reception at the Concord House, the couple intended to celebrate their union briefly before heading to a carnival. However, that night marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would leave their families and the community searching for answers for decades.

Initial Investigation and Disappearance

The disappearance of Tim and Kelly sparked one of the largest manhunts in Wisconsin's history. As Detective Chad Garcia recounts, "Tim and Kelly get to the Concord house at approximately 10:30pm... and disappear into the night, never to be seen again" (00:57). Their sudden absence was uncharacteristic, raising immediate suspicions among their families and friends.

Patrick Hack, Tim’s brother, reflects on the impact of their disappearance: “Leave the next morning, get up, and get work done. Except when he got up in the morning and Tim wasn't there...” (02:28). The discovery of Tim’s unattended car and Kelly's missing presence intensified the family's concern.

Evidence and Leads

In the days following their disappearance, investigators uncovered scattered evidence, including Tim and Kelly's belongings. Susan Happ, the Jefferson County District Attorney, notes, “Over the course of 10 days, multiple pieces of clothing belonging to Kelly are found... as well as about a dozen pieces of rope with various knots tied in it” (05:44). These findings suggested a violent encounter, possibly involving sexual assault.

A critical lead emerged when a teenager discovered a pair of Kelly’s pants with cuts from ankle to waist, indicating a possible rape (05:15). Additionally, a dark, dirty van was reported near the Concord House, described as taking off "in a suspicious fashion" (07:56).

Search and Discovery of Bodies

Despite exhaustive searches by the community and law enforcement, Tim and Kelly remained missing for nearly three months. It wasn't until 72 days after their disappearance that bodies were discovered in Ixonia, Wisconsin. The male body, identified as Tim Haack, was found fully clothed with evidence of violence. Kelly Drew’s body exhibited ligature marks consistent with being bound and strangled (06:47).

Early Suspects and Lucas/Toole Misleads

In the early 1980s, attention turned to Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole, drifters who confessed to numerous murders across the country. Dr. Robert Shug, a forensic psychologist, explains their modus operandi resembled the Haack-Drew case. However, timelines and alibis eventually cleared them of involvement (13:25), leading investigators back to square one.

Case Goes Cold

With limited evidence and exhausted leads, the case went cold. The Hack family grappled with grief and uncertainty. Patrick Hack shares the emotional toll: “I sold the family farm... I just didn't want Tim and Kelly forgot” (14:35). For over two decades, the mystery remained unsolved, leaving families without closure.

Reopening of the Case and DNA Breakthrough

Advancements in forensic technology, particularly DNA analysis, reignited hope for solving the case. In 2006, now serving as district attorney, Susan Happ revisited the evidence. “DNA is becoming more and more popular... And that was something that wasn't available to law enforcement back in 1980” (16:26). Testing revealed seminal fluid on Kelly’s clothes, providing a crucial piece of evidence.

Identification of Edward Wayne Edwards

Investigators identified Edward Wayne Edwards as a prime suspect. Edwards, a known criminal with a history of violence and expertise in knot tying, fit the profile. His presence near the Concord House on the night of the disappearance, combined with DNA evidence, made him the focal point of the investigation (20:17).

Confrontation and Confession

Edwards was brought in for questioning in 2009. During an extensive interview, subtle cues led Detective Garcia and Susan Happ to realize Edwards was deceitful. A pivotal moment occurred when Edwards murmured, “Damn it, I killed her,” which confirmed his guilt (29:38). Faced with overwhelming evidence, Edwards ultimately pleaded guilty to the murders of Tim Haack and Kelly Drew, bringing long-awaited closure to their families (29:59).

Aftermath and Speculations on More Victims

Edwards's confession did not mark the end of the investigation. While incarcerated, he revealed a 33-year-old secret, confessing to additional murders. This revelation raised suspicions linking Edwards to other cold cases, including theories associating him with the infamous Zodiac Killer. Despite these claims, definitive connections remain unproven, leaving the true extent of Edwards's crimes uncertain (32:42).

Conclusion and Legacy

Edward Wayne Edwards passed away in 2011, still serving his sentence for the Haack-Drew murders. The resolution of this case underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the enduring hope of families seeking answers. Detective Garcia reflects, “Edwards was held accountable for what he did... It really brings me some peace” (32:55). The Haack-Drew case stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and advancements in forensic science in solving even the coldest of cases.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Patrick Hack (Trusting their relationship): “They were a good couple... that they would be a couple for life” (01:57).

• Detective Chad Garcia (Early observations): “He exhibited all of the stereotypical signs of a serial killer” (00:53).

• Susan Happ (Assessing evidence): “There's a big parking lot... If you were intent on abducting somebody, all you had to do was wait” (04:18).

• Patrick Hack (Hope resurges): “I think for the first time in my life, I felt like there's a ray of hope here” (16:48).

• Susan Happ (Final realization): “Damn it, I killed her” (29:38).

• Patrick Hack (Closure): “It was over. You know, that feeling of it's over” (30:16).

Conclusion

"Sweethearts Silenced" delves deep into the tragic disappearance and eventual murder of Tim Haack and Kelly Drew. Through meticulous investigation, community effort, and advancements in forensic technology, justice was ultimately served. This episode highlights the enduring impact of cold cases on families and the unwavering dedication of those who seek the truth, no matter how long it takes.